FIRST HALF BETBULL TURNAROUND
5 September 2008
Good prospects for joint venture in Spain with
Bwin
Betbull plc, an online and retail sportsbetting group
that includes PrimeBet.com announced the release its
group consolidated unaudited financial statements for
the half year to 30 June 2008 this week, showing an
impressive turnaround in its business fortunes.
Financial highlights for the period included:
* Betting stakes of Euro 50.9 million for the half year,
up 28 percent compared to Euro 39.9 million in H1 2007.
* Net gaming revenue of Euro 8.4 million for the half
year, up by 25 percent compared to Euro 6.7 million in
H1 2007.
* EBITDA of Euro 800 000 for the half year, up Euro 500
000 compared to Euro 300 000 in H1 2007.
* Cash position as at 30 June 2008 positive at Euro 9.5
million compared to Euro 8.8 million as at 30 June 2007.
* EBITDA excluding the joint venture in Madrid of Euro
1.3 million for the half year and cash position as at 30
June 2008 also excluding the joint venture in Madrid of
Euro 7.4 million.
Business highlights over the half year included:
* In Germany the company achieved growth in turnover and
profits. Betting stakes were up 28 percent on the same
period last year and 30 percent up on the previous
quarter. Gross hold rose by 30 percent against the same
period last year and 18 percent against the previous
quarter. Management comment that these gains have been
realised despite a still confused legislative position
and therefore difficult trading environment. The company
continues to pursue a policy of cautious expansion,
whilst maintaining a strong presence ready to take
advantage of any favourable legislative changes in the
future.
* In Spain, the joint venture with Bwin (Betbull Bwin
Espana or BBE) is now fully established, with offices in
Madrid's Grand Via employing 11 central office staff and
management. The process of technology homologation has
been successfully completed and all other required
documentation including the provision of a Euro 12
million bank guarantee to the Community of Madrid, has
been submitted to relevant authorities. It is therefore
expected that final approval and delivery of the licence
will take place in September 2008, when government
offices return to work after summer recess.
BBE has identified a number of key locations for its
first betting shops and will close property deals on
those locations as soon as the licence is awarded. The
JV has a well defined and focused strategy for roll out
of retail units throughout the Province and it is hoped
that the first bets will be accepted before the of the
year.
Other autonomous communities within Spain have indicated
that they will follow Madrid in awarding betting
licences and Betbull intends to pursue development in
those regions as soon as the legislation is announced.
Spain continues to be the main focus of development for
the company and will offer a clear and stable licensed
environment in which Betbull can apply already proven
retail techniques.
* In Italy, Betbull decided to sell its 4 licences,
awarded in 2007, and sale proceeds amounted to Euro 600
000 delivering a small profit after costs. The decision
to sell was taken primarily as a result of the company's
policy to focus on core areas, but also because
opportunities for future development would have been
restricted due to legislative and operational barriers.
* Online operations will see planned upgrades to the
online platform, which provides a valuable complimentary
offer to retail clients and absorbs very little in
resources..
Releasing the half yearly report, Betbull director Simon
Bold said: "I am pleased to announce a positive net
result for the half year, with earnings before tax
amounting to Euro 500 000, a turnaround on the same
period last year of Euro 700 000. In view of the
investment Betbull has made in the Madrid JV with bwin,
this is a pleasing result and demonstrates that we are
operating a policy of strong financial control.
"Betbull is continuing to cautiously fulfil its targets
in a solid and steady manner, maintaining position as a
leading player in Germany at the same time maximising
revenues from those operations. We are investing in the
most exciting, fully licensed retail opportunity in
central Europe, together with our partner bwin building
a valuable company, poised to become a leading brand in
Spanish retail betting.
"We have managed our funds wisely, maintaining a healthy
overall cash position of Euro 9.5 million at the end of
H1 2008.";
Online Casino News courtesy of
InfoPowa
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